Hers is the face adorning the cover of Sports Illustrated this week and some in the sports research world wonder if her photo is meant to be sporty, or sexy.

"When we do see an athletic female of the cover of Sports Illustrated we are more likely to see her in poses that highlight femininity, physical attractiveness and can be interpreted as sexualized," Dr. Nicole La Voi said. La Voi is the Associate Director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota.

"When we see the sexualization and feminization of female athletes over and over it sends the message to young girls that get internalized and they say, oh even if I am an athlete its really more important to look good that see what my body can do," Dr. La Voi said.

For those who have no issue with Vonn's cover photo, consider the photos in the Sports Illustrated 2010 swimsuit issue.

Four marquis winter Olympians, Vonn included, are pin ups in the magazine.